How is the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake considered in the Hawaiian Islands regarding its population status?
Answer
Native
The status of *Hydrophis platurus* varies significantly by region based on environmental suitability. In the Hawaiian Islands archipelago, the species holds the designation of being native. This indicates that the environmental conditions, particularly water temperature and oceanographic patterns, have historically supported a stable, reproducing population within these waters. Because the population is established, sightings are common enough, often leading local authorities to issue advisories, especially concerning individuals washed ashore following severe weather events.
Related Questions
What was the former scientific name for the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, Hydrophis platurus?What lifestyle term describes the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake's existence almost entirely in the open ocean?Which major warm current is specifically noted as a habitat zone for H. platurus near Japan?How is the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake considered in the Hawaiian Islands regarding its population status?What is the current suggested status of H. platurus observations along the coast of Southern California?Snakes found in the generally too cool waters surrounding New Zealand are categorized as what type of visitor?What anatomical feature prevents efficient terrestrial locomotion in the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake?How are Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes typically observed floating in the water column?What external forces commonly trigger the appearance of H. platurus washing up on beaches?What broader oceanic changes might frequency of vagrant sightings in places like New Zealand parallel?